Astronomy Problems: Please Look/help

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a series of astronomy problems involving concepts such as Wien's Law, mass calculations of celestial bodies, orbital periods, and energy received from the Sun. Participants seek assistance in solving these problems, which encompass theoretical and mathematical reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Wien's Law to determine the wavelength at which Jupiter emits the most energy, with one participant calculating a wavelength of 231,840 Angstroms.
  • There is a challenge regarding the calculation of the mass of a new planet based on its radius and density, with participants emphasizing the importance of using consistent units throughout the calculations.
  • One participant expresses confusion over how to calculate the period of Phobos around Mars, referencing Kepler's laws and seeking clarification on the correct formulas to use.
  • Another participant mentions the inverse square law in relation to how distance affects the energy received from the Sun, questioning the implications of changing Jupiter's distance from the Sun.
  • Participants discuss the need for unit conversions and the correct application of formulas to arrive at accurate answers, particularly in the context of volume and mass calculations.
  • There is uncertainty about the best units to express certain answers, with participants questioning whether Angstroms are appropriate for wavelength measurements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for consistent units in calculations, but there is no consensus on the correctness of specific answers provided, particularly for the mass of the new planet and the period of Phobos. Multiple competing views and interpretations of the problems remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in their calculations due to inconsistent units and the need for conversions. There are unresolved mathematical steps and dependencies on definitions that affect the clarity of the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Students studying astronomy or physics, educators looking for examples of problem-solving in celestial mechanics, and anyone interested in the application of mathematical reasoning to astronomical concepts.

  • #91
I am going to go with rock. Thank you very much for all of ya'lls help. It is greatly appreciated.
 
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  • #92
astronomystudent said:
You're right. I squared instead of cubed a
the mass = 2.95x10^24 kg
and the density = 59032871.67 kg/m^3
how can i rewrite the density, and how do i figure out what that is composed of?

You could express it in grams / cm^3. Just divide by 1000.

You got the right answers.

This is where your teacher is weird! This object is more than half as massive as Earth, while only ~1/30 Earth's diameter. That's why it is so dense. It is a hypothetical question, so anything's possible. I'd like to know what your teacher says is the correct answer for its composition.

You should try to do #4 now, even though you don't need it. You almost had it and that's a good problem to understand.
 
Last edited:
  • #93
Yeah, I went to class, and he told us the answer was METAL. And I asked why it was metal and he said it was much too dense to be rock or ice. Is taht true?
 
  • #94
astronomystudent said:
Yeah, I went to class, and he told us the answer was METAL. And I asked why it was metal and he said it was much too dense to be rock or ice. Is taht true?
Yes, but it's also too dense to be metal. Ask him what kind of metal.
 

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